Japan’s Largest Startup Conference – IVS Is Back, Introduces IVS CORE with Crypto Stage Returns
Kyoto, Japan, June 24th, 2026, Chainwire
IVS2026, Japan’s largest startup event, will take place over three days from July 1 to 3, 2026, in Kyoto. In addition to the main venue at Miyako Messe, IVS introduces “IVS CORE”—an exclusive, invite-only zone tailored for C-level executives hosted at the Hotel Okura Kyoto. The IVS KYOTO Executive Committee has curated three days of rich programming designed to showcase the great potential of Japan’s startup ecosystem to the world.
Following IVS Crypto in 2024 and the IVC Summit in 2025, the Crypto Stage returns to the main IVS venue this year. Powered by renowned crypto venture capital firm IVC (Infinity Ventures Crypto) and Japanese crypto media outlet Nada News, the track assembles a premier lineup of domestic and international experts to explore shifting market dynamics and uncover the industry’s next growth vectors.
Traditional Finance vs. On-Chain Innovation: Reshaping the Global Infrastructure and Japan’s New Web3 Playing Field
IVS2026 Crypto Stage is dedicated to the adoption of blockchain technology across global financial infrastructure and the Japanese market. Reflecting this year’s core theme—The Deep Convergence of Traditional Finance and On-Chain Technology—the panel examines the scaling and utility of digital assets amid changing regulations and technological evolution. Key discussions spinning around Bitcoin ETFs, RWA and MMF tokenization, and the highly competitive global stablecoin market. Additionally, a dedicated spotlight on ‘AI Agents × Stablecoins’ will explore how intelligent automation and on-chain capital are driving a cross-border payment revolution, establishing crypto as the foundational infrastructure for the broader economy.
With the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA) triggering a new regulatory era, the Crypto Stage offers a front-row seat to Japan’s Web3 transformation as it bridges with international markets. Highlights Japan’s collaborative efforts with major industry players to build the next-generation financial system. Over ten curated panel sessions will dissect critical milestones on the road to mass adoption, from stablecoin frameworks and the evolution of digital wallets into the next generation of Super Apps, to sharp market dispatches from leading crypto VCs and the integration of DeFi within Web3 gaming. The stage is set to spark vital dialogue and cross-pollination between top-tier global capital, multinational conglomerates, and the rising startup ecosystem.
Global Visionary & Japanese Pioneers: Building a World-Class Web3 Speaker Lineup
The stellar speaker lineup bridges top-tier government policymakers, traditional financial institutions, and founders of leading global Web3 projects. The lineup includes:
- Government & Regulatory Representatives:
- Seiji Kihara (Member of the House of Representatives, Liberal Democratic Party of Japan / Secretary-General of the Headquarters for Japan’s Growth Strategy)
- Nobuchika Imaizumi (Counsellor for Crypto-Assets, Blockchain and Innovation, Strategy Development and Management Bureau, Financial Services Agency, Financial Services Agency of Japan)
- Traditional Finance & Digital Payments:
- Yuki Tanaka (BlackRock Japan)
- Mitsunori Yuasa (Franklin Templeton Japan)
- Emi Hidaka (Nomura Holdings)
- Akio Isowa (SMBC Group)
- Daniel Heffernan (Representative Director, Stripe Japan)
- Yusuke Jinguuji (PayPay)
- Jin Lee (LINE NEXT)
- Michihiko Kasai (Coincheck Digital Assets)
- Takeshi Chino (Binance Japan)
- Top Web3 Project Leaders & VCs:
- Sebastien Borget (CEO, The Sandbox)
- Hilmar Pétursson (CEO, Fenris Creations)
- Manuel Beaudroit (Co-Founder, Belo)
- Noritaka Okabe (CEO, JPYC)
- Jonathan M. Hayashi (CEO, Backseat)
- Gary Mao (Co-Founder, Orange Cap Games)
- Edward Chen (Co-Founder, Seeds Labs)
- Tatsuya Saito (CEO, Progmat)
- Kelvin Koh (Co-Founder, The Spartan Group)
- Simon Kim (CEO/Managing Partner, Hashed)
- …as well as multiple core partners and executive representatives from organizations such as IVC (Infinity Ventures Crypto), BitGo, Circle, and the Canton Foundation.
When Traditional Kyoto Collides with Cutting-Edge Web3 Innovation
Where a thousand years of heritage collides with the future of innovation, Kyoto sets the stage for an unique gathering. The official IVS2026 Crypto Stage networking reception—hosted by IVC and sponsored by BitGo—brings an exclusive, invite-only experience to The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto.
Disconnect from the daily tech hustle and immerse yourself in the quiet elegance of this historic city. This is your exclusive opportunity to align with premier industry leaders and map out the next frontier of Web3 finance. Celebrate the powerful synergy of past and future, and share an unforgettable night in Kyoto with IVS.
IVS 2026 Event Details
Dates: July 1(Wed) – July 3 (Fri), 2026
Venue: Miyako Messe (Kyoto International Exhibition Hall)
Organizers: IVS KYOTO Executive Committee (Headline Japan Inc., IVC, Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City)
Official Website: https://www.ivs.events/en/
Official Social Media (X): https://x.com/IVS_Official
International Attendees Special Ticket: https://4s.link/en/tickets/f25a14aa-5374-4054-87b2-4f88c1e8fd23
About IVS
Launched in 2007, IVS is one of Japan’s largest startup conferences, bringing 10,000+ founders, investors, and industry leaders around Japan each year. Through high-level sessions, startup markets, and the legendary IVS LAUNCHPAD pitch arena, we exist to be the catalyst for the next generation.